In order to solve strip edge drop and crown problem for accurate “dead flat” transverse thickness profile of electrical steel sheet in 4-high tandem cold rolling mills,the 3D finite element model of roll stacks and strip deformation was built in cold rolling process. Through a comparative analysis, the uneven deformation of rolls flattening and the deflection of work rolls caused by the pressure in undesired overhung contact areas between rolls are the main contributions to strip edge drop and crown ratio and make different contributions that can provide a new basis for evaluating different solutions to strip edge drop and crown control in 4-high and 6-high mills. The integrated design of roll contours for EDW (Edge Drop Control Work Rolls) and matched VCR(Varying Contact Backup Rolls) were developed to decrease the uneven deformation of roll flattening and eliminate undesired overhung contact areas for different strip widths, which provides a novel approach for high-quality control of strip edge drop and crown in 4-high tandem cold rolling mills with high-precision quality of strip edge drop and crown controllability. The industrial application gives remarkable results that the rate of transverse thickness profile deviation less than 10μm is 97.25% in 1700mm 4-high tandem cold rolling mills.